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Duty of Care and HS2 in PMQs

While HS2 was included in a question at Prime Minister’s Questions yesterday, it is notable that only Heathrow was referenced in the answer.

Stephen Metcalfe (South Basildon and East Thurrock) (Con): Q11. As my right hon. Friend is aware, this Government are investing more in national infrastructure than any previous Government, from HS2 to the new Lower Thames crossing. However, we must never forget the personal sacrifice that people are asked to make to allow these projects to progress. Will she therefore remind the various Government agencies involved that they ​have a duty of care to our constituents and that they should ensure that no one is materially disadvantaged or physically harmed in the name of investment? [905637]

The Prime Minister My hon. Friend makes two important points: the first is the importance and significance of the investment that is being put into infrastructure across the country; and the second is of course that, as we do that—when we are putting in place these large infrastructure projects—we must make sure that they are planned in consultation with, and with sympathy towards, local communities. Of course, as we see with the proposals for Heathrow, for example, that does come with a significant compensation package for those people who will be personally affected.

The ironic thing of course was that there had been a perfect example that day of just how they execute their duty of care and how much sympathy HS2 Ltd are to the people personally affected, as a woman walked into a drop in session in Yorkshire, only to find out HS2 will be going to knock down her house, almost a year after the route through it was confirmed.

Another perfect example of the reality of what @HS2ltd actually deliver when they talk of 'Community Engagement'. "No, we haven't got the common decency to tell you we're knocking down your house, you have to come to our event for the pleasure of finding that out." #HS2#StopHS2https://t.co/7ZvcZovcLZ